Ukorebi Esien | April 26, 2026
UGEP — The Cross River State Youth Council has intensified its grassroots engagement with a statewide tour aimed at tracking government projects and gathering firsthand feedback from communities across the 18 local government areas.
The initiative, tagged the Future First Youth Engagement and Assessment Tour, has seen youth leaders move from northern to central Cross River, covering key local governments including Obanliku, Obudu, Bekwara, Ogoja, Yala, Ikom, Boki, Obubra, Abi, and now Yakurr.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Obol Lopon of Ugep, the Youth Council Chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Olayi, said the tour is designed to ensure that governance reflects the real needs and experiences of the people at the grassroots.
According to him, the council is not only promoting peace ahead of the 2027 elections but also conducting an independent, community-driven assessment of government presence and infrastructure development across the state.
“We have deliberately moved from one local government to another to see things for ourselves. We are not here to assume or speculate. What we see on ground is what we will report,” Olayi stated.
He explained that in the course of the tour, the team has visited several project sites, including ongoing and proposed government facilities, as well as areas where communities say development is lacking.
“In some places, we have seen active projects; in others, the people are still expecting government presence. Our duty is to present a balanced report that reflects both progress and gaps,” he added.
The Youth Council Chairman emphasized that the findings will be compiled into a comprehensive report to be presented to the state government, providing an evidence-based account of development across local governments.
“We will not sit in Calabar and write what is not true. If a community says a road has been done, we confirm it. If they say something is missing, we document it. That is the essence of this tour,” he said.
Beyond infrastructure assessment, Olayi noted that the engagement also serves as a platform to educate young people on responsible civic participation, urging them to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and reject political violence.
He warned against the growing trend of politicians exploiting youths for disruptive activities during elections, insisting that young people must prioritize their future over short-term inducements.
“We are telling our youths: do not allow anyone to use you. No political ambition is worth your life. Your responsibility is to vote, not to fight,” he stressed.
Responding, the Obol Lopon of Ugep commended the initiative and described the palace as a place of guidance and moral direction for the community. He urged the youth to maintain discipline and avoid violence, especially within the palace and the wider community.
“This is a place for blessings, not for fighting. If you want progress in life, you must embrace peace and respect authority,” the monarch said.
He further encouraged young leaders to remain focused and uphold humility in leadership, noting that true success comes through discipline and respect for societal values.
The Yakurr engagement marks the 11th stop of the tour, with the Youth Council expected to continue its outreach to other local governments before culminating in a grand finale in Calabar.
Observers say the initiative represents a growing effort by youth leaders to take ownership of governance processes, promote accountability, and contribute meaningfully to policy discussions in Cross River State.
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